Lewis West Side coastal walk

Summary

This fine walk follows the clifftops, stacks and bays of the coastline between An Gearrannan and Bragar. Although linear the walk is served by buses and could be shortened by heading inland to reach the main road at a number of points.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Infrequently waymarked but some navigation required. Much of the route is pathless; some rough going and boggy ground.

Public Transport

Bus to An Gearrannan blackhouse village at start; bus from Bragar at end.

Start

Na Gearrrannan (Garenin) Blackhouse village car park. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 18.75km / 11.75 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 528m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NB194441

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (5)

Stage 1

Walk down through An Gearrannan blackhouse village and after the last house on the right take the path on the right which heads up through a gate, past the ruins of an old house, and up along the coast following a line of old fence posts as well as the green and yellow marker posts which mark the whole of this walk. Cross a stile and climb to the highest point on the headland which is marked by a small cairn and has a spectacular view looking south along the west coast of Lewis.

Stage 2

The vague path now turns east to follow the coast, keeping inland from the steep cliffs with the next marker post usually visible ahead. As you drop down between Aird Mhòr and Aird Mheadhonach the old ridges of the lazy beds where crofters once grew crops are clearly visible. Cross the burn near a round stone sheep enclosure and follow the posts uphill. The route keeps back from the cliffs crossing grassy ground which is boggy in places.

Stage 3

After passing a dramatic narrow headland jutting out into the sea, the path climbs up a grassy flank between rocky outcrops, heading slightly inland and following sparse marker posts to cross an area of peat bog aiming directly for the rocky knoll ahead. From here Rubha an Trilleachain with its small natural arch can be seen to the left (north east). The route now descends boggy ground to cross a fence at a stile near the cliffs. Cross the flat, boggy area aiming diagonally slightly right to pick up a clearer path on the far side which crosses another stile. Soon the beach and cemetery at Dail Mòr come into view. The path descends gradually, traversing the grassy slopes to reach the inland side of the cemetery. Bear right to cross a bridge and go through the kissing gate onto the road, there are toilets and a parking area here.

Stage 4

Walk up the road for a short distance and at a sharp bend take the path straight ahead between fences. The path continues on the right side of the fence and crosses boggy ground as it climbs. Follow the marker posts up and over the high ground before descending towards another fence - the route of the path can be seen ahead as it follows the right hand side of the fence. There is a view to Loch Dailbheag to the left before the path reaches the fence and climbs to more views of the Loch and beach beyond, before it follows the fence inland and with a house on the road opposite visible, turn left to cross a stile and follow the path down to a bridge and then up to the road. Turn left to follow the road down to the parking area behind the beach.

Stage 5

From the parking area head up the footpath on the right, alongside the picnic tables. Ignore the obvious path that bears left towards the coastline and instead follow the marker posts that lead more directly uphill. Cross a stile - there are great views looking back over Dail Beag with its loch, beach and sea stacks all prominent. Soon the route crosses a stile over a second fence, and further on another stile and a drystone wall. Keep following either the marker posts or the red-painted stiles as these will help to keep you on the route.

Stage 6

After a descent the coast eventually draws near once more, with a mighty sea stack at one point. The route keeps well to the north of Loch na Muilne. Go through a pedestrian gate, soon passing over a wide arch between a very impressive blow hole on the right and a deep geo on the left, with the waves lapping beneath at high tide. The route passes to the right of a prominent upright rock and aims for another stile. It then continues across boggy ground, keeping left of but parallel to the fences of croft land to the right.

Stage 7

Cross another stile and continue ahead to eventually reach the shore of the next major bay, Loch Shiabost at yet another stile. From turn right to follow a path running beside the shores of the bay, soon reaching a parking area. From here aim left across the causeway that separates Loch a'Bhaile from the sea - with a beach on your left at low tide. Cross the causeway to meet a minor road and follow this to a t-junction. Turn left here and continue to the end of the road, passing through the gate and then aiming half right through the boggy field, meeting the coastline at the back of a small bay. This section of the coast is more level and the route passes an attractive sandy cove at one point.

Stage 8

The route crosses two more stiles, descending beyond Fibhig to cross the stones behind another bay. Cross more stiles and a drystone wall as the route crosses flat, boggy ground set back somewhat from the sea. Keep a sharp eye out for the stiles and posts on this section, never too far from the sea, eventually reaching the grassy shore where the coast cuts southwards around Port Mhor Bhraga. A grassy path is followed beside the coast until a wooden footbridge is reached - turn left across this. The route now leads between the sandy bay of Port Mhor Bhraga and Loch Ordais. Eventually a road is met; turn inland (right) at the picnic area to follow the road to Bragar, keeping straight on at a crossroads in the village to meet the main A858 and the bus route beyond.

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